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128
Circular 13/49 issued by the Ministry of Health removed
such responsibilities from the jurisdiction of the Local Authority
in cases where the deceased was a patient in a hospital
at the time of death. No definition is contained in the Circular
as to the word "patient" and consequently the matter was
raised informally with the legal consultants at the Ministry,
who were unable to adjudicate as to whether an out-patient
constituted a "patient" within the meaning of the Circular.
As such a case had not been previously raised, a formal
submission of the details of the circumstances was requested.
However, as obviously prompt action was necessary to
effect the burial, and as it then became evident that the effects
of the deceased were sufficient to fully reimburse this Authority
for the funeral arrangements eventually made, the matter
was not pursued.
Land Charges Act, 1925
Regular enquiries are received and searches carried out
to ascertain any outstanding notices or charges on properties
arising from the operation of the various Acts and Regulations
with which the Department is concerned.
6,486 enquiries were so dealt with during 1967.